1.0 Introduction
This article provides an overview of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Fitness and Sports Instructor.
2.0 What is the CAF FORCE Test?
Every member of the CAF is required to successfully complete the FORCE test (Fitness for Operational Requirements of Canadian Armed Forces Employment), a series of 4 tasks designed to measure operational fitness – a reflection of the CAF minimal physical employment standard related to common defence and security duties known as the Universality of Service principle.
3.0 What is a Fitness & Sports Instructor?
Fitness and Sports Instructors are civilians exercise professionals who play a key role in supporting the health and wellness of CAF personnel.
4.0 What is the Role of a Fitness & Sports Instructor?
“The Fitness and Sports Instructor (FSI) is the principal full-time civilian physical training instructor with the PFP [Physical Fitness Programme] responsible for the conduct of physical fitness evaluations, remedial physical training programming, and delivery of physical fitness clinics and workshops within the scope of the PFP.” (Branscombe, 2015, p.14-15).
5.0 Probation and Induction Training
Fitness and Sports Instructors face a number of probation and induction requirements (Branscombe, 2015);
- 21-hour asynchronous e-learning package;
- Eight on-hour on-the-job assessments;
- 70-hour face-to-face session;
- 10-hours of synchronous online learning; and
- Approximately 15 hours of on-the-job assessments.
6.0 Other Courses and Qualifications
- FORCE Evaluator Course (civilian and military qualification).
- Basic Fitness Training Assistant Course (military qualification).
- Advanced Fitness Training Assistant Course (military qualification).
- Unit Fitness and Sports Officer (military qualification).
- Fitness and Sports Instructor (civilian qualification).
7.0 Useful Publications
- Branscombe, J. (2015) Curriculum Development Issues and Opportunities in the Canadian Military Physical Fitness Program. PhD Thesis. Nipissing University. Available from World Wide Web: https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/92900/1/curriculum%20development%20issues%20and%20opportunities.pdf. [Accessed: 02 January, 2019].
- FORCE Evaluation Operations Manual.
8.0 Useful Links
- CAF Connection: https://www.cafconnection.ca/National/Programs-Services/For-Military-Personnel/Military-Fitness.aspx.
- CFMWS: https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/PSP/Pages/default.aspx.
9.0 References
- Branscombe, J. (2015) Curriculum Development Issues and Opportunities in the Canadian Military Physical Fitness Program. PhD Thesis. Nipissing University. Available from World Wide Web: https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/92900/1/curriculum%20development%20issues%20and%20opportunities.pdf. [Accessed: 02 January, 2019].